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Suspect in home invasion robberies arrested; more victims sought

A man suspected of robbing two women inside their East Los Angeles homes has been arrested, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

Josue Vasquez, 27, was taken into custody on Feb. 13 at his home in the 200 block of North Ditman Avenue in East Los Angeles, authorities said.

Vasquez allegedly broke into a home in the 3600 block of Floral Drive on Jan. 9, wearing a mask and gloves, according to a statement by Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas J. Smith. Using a gun, he forced a woman to kneel at her bedside as he ransacked her room and stole money and jewelry along with the victim’s purse and cellphone, Smith said.

On Jan. 25, Vasquez allegedly struck again, authorities said. He is accused of ringing the doorbell of a home in the 3500 block of Cesar Chavez Avenue and forcing his way inside when a woman opened to door, Smith said.

He allegedly forced the victim at gunpoint to sit on the sofa with her head down while he rifled through the residence. The suspect then left with the victim’s purse, cellphone and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Vasquez was arrested after being identified in a photo lineup. He was being held on $200,000 bail.

Smith said the district attorney's office had filed two counts of robbery with gun enhancements against Vasquez.

Authorities said they believed Vasquez might be responsible for additional unreported home invasion robberies and they urged any other victims to call sheriff’s officials at (323) 981-5035. Anonymous tips can also be left at L.A. Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.